HomeMy WebLinkAbout200914 MTGMINUTES
Eugene City Council
Virtual Meeting
Eugene, Oregon 97401
September 14, 2020
7:30 p.m.
Councilors Present: Emily Semple, Betty Taylor, Alan Zelenka, Jennifer Yeh, Mike Clark, Greg Evans,
Claire Syrett, Chris Pryor
Mayor Vinis opened the September 14, 2020, meeting of the Eugene City Council in a virtual format.
1. COMMITTEE REPORTS AND ITEMS OF INTEREST
Council Discussion
• Councilor Semple - shared information about her health following a serious car accident, noting
she planned to listen in on the meeting.
• Councilor Taylor - expressed concern that many people are just one unexpected expense away
from being homeless.
• Councilor Syrett - shared information about the resources available on the Lane Regional Air
Protection Agency's website related to the fire and air quality conditions; said she planned to
volunteer at an emergency distribution center and noted there are other opportunities for
people to get involved in the relief efforts; said the person nominated by Mayor Vinis to fill the
Police Commission vacancy will be an excellent addition to that advisory group; supported a
moratorium on evictions.
• Mayor Vinis - shared Councilor Syrett's enthusiasm for the Police Commission appointee,
noting his relevant experience and eagerness to engage in this important work; said the prior
week had been a very difficult one and the work to recover is far from over; stated the homeless
crisis is growing and the City continues to work hard with its partners on solutions, recognizing
that a more robust plan and more shelter space is needed.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR 1
A. Approval of City Council Minutes
• July 15, 2020, Work Session
• July 20, 2020, Work Session
• July 20, 2020, Public Hearing
• July 22, 2020, Work Session
• July 27, 2020, Work Session
• July 27, 2020, Meeting
B. Approval of City Council Tentative Agenda
C. Appointment to Police Commission
MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Semple, seconded by Councilor Yeh, moved to approve the
items on the Consent Calendar 1. PASSED 8:0.
3. PUBLIC FORUM
1. Joshua Korn - voiced concern that more SG towers are being erected and they are not a legal height.
2. Marianne Senhouse - expressed disappointment with the City's smoke/air quality response.
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Meeting
3. Jen Smith - asked why the parks sweeps were still happening, noting the homeless need protection.
4. Lin Woodrich - thanked councilors Evans and Syrett for their involvement with Bethel area issues.
S. Katrina - voiced concern about the health of the homeless; discussed the impact of Covid restrictions.
6. Tyler Stewart - said the City must act immediately to assist the homeless and provide shelter.
7. Matthew Yook - discussed the economic impacts of Covid; suggested using schools for shelter.
8. Isiah Wagner - said that more needs to be done to provide shelter; it is a moral issue.
9. Sarah Astra - said the community is demanding the abolition of police; imagined a new world.
10. Erin Grady - said the City's response to the fire conditions was inadequate.
11. Haley Wilson - expressed concern that there are no resources for a shelter.
Council Discussion
Councilor Zelenka - sympathized with those expressing frustration about the lack of shelter; said that
most viable facilities are not owned by the City; encouraged people to also contact the County and
school districts; noted that Covid protections must be maintained.
• Councilor Yeh - requested help from everyone in getting the word out about existing shelter
resources; shared that the Police Commission is addressing policies related to the use of teargas and
pepper balls.
Councilor Evans - thanked Lin Woodrich for the opportunity to participate in the Active Bethel
Citizens workshop on race and equity; encouraged other neighborhood associations to offer
something similar.
• Councilor Taylor - inquired about the City's response to allegations that the SG installations are illegal.
City Manager Medary - shared information about what the City is doing in response to the fire and
smoke conditions.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR 1
A. Adoption of a Resolution Annexing Land to the City of Eugene (Assessor's Map 17-04-11-
13; Tax Lot 1900; Located at 3060 River Road) (City File: Peace Presbyterian Church; A
20-2)
MOTION AND VOTE: Councilor Semple, seconded by Councilor Yeh, moved to approve the
item on the Consent Calendar 2. PASSED 8:0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Julie Adams
Deputy City Recorder
Link to the webcast of this City Council meeting here.
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Meeting